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Postgraduate Study

The MPhil in History of Art & Architecture is taught through a combination of research seminars, skills training and supervised individual study.

The educational aims of the programme are as follows:

  • To provide teaching and learning to postgraduate students in the history of art and architecture in a range of fields linked to the research interests of the staff.
  • To provide high-calibre students with training in relevant research skills and to offer excellent specialist supervision of their individual research in these fields.
  • To provide a stimulating research and learning environment in which students can reach their full intellectual potential.
  • To help students develop a wide range of intellectual abilities and skills that will enable them to make significant contributions in their chosen careers and walks of life, including, but not exclusive to, academic teaching and research.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the MPhil, students should have:

  • made the transition in learning style and pace from undergraduate to postgraduate level
  • acquired the necessary research skills in the use of bibliographical, archival and museum resources as relevant to their field of study
  • gained practice in the use of the languages and archival skills relevant to their chosen research area
  • gained confidence in the choice and use of different methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives
  • refined their critical skills in the examination, recording and analysis of works of art and/or architecture, especially at first hand (through travel and fieldwork if appropriate)
  • gained experience in oral and written presentation skills, gained experience in crafting a sustained piece of research in the form of a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words
  • acquired the proficiency needed to write a coherent and sustained piece of academic research.

Continuing

To continue to read for the PhD following the MPhil in History of Art & Architecture, students must achieve an overall total score of at least 70%. Continuation is also subject to the approval of the proposed research proposal and the availability and willingness of an appropriate Supervisor. There is no automatic continuation from MPhil to PhD study: candidates are required to apply to the PhD programme formally.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

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Key Information


9 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of History of Art

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
May 16, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 7, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


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